General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB)

Historical Development of the GATB

In the mid-1930s, the USES initiated a program of aptitude test research, resulting in approximately 100 ability tests designed to predict success across a wide variety of occupations representative of the U.S. labor force at the time. The USES then examined a set of these tests through a series of factor analyses, ultimately identifying 12 tests measuring nine aptitudes. GATB edition B-1002 comprised these 12 tests and was published in 1947 in two forms (A and B). Two additional forms (C and D) were subsequently published in 1983. State employment service offices used the GATB for vocational counseling and applicant referral, and high schools, technical schools, universities, labor union apprenticeship programs, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and other authorized agencies used the battery for vocational and career counseling.

In the late 1980s, a review of the GATB by the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences raised a number of concerns, and, subsequently, the battery went through several important changes in development. The concerns of the NRC included aesthetics, speed of completion, scoring, and susceptibility to coaching. The result of the revision process comprised GATB Forms E and F, now referred to as Ability Profiler Forms 1 and 2, respectively. These forms represent the current operational versions of the battery and are designed exclusively for vocational counseling, occupational exploration, and career planning.

Characteristics of the Ability Profiler

The Ability Profiler, comprising 11 separately timed tests (see Table 1), measures nine work-related abilities:

• Verbal Ability: ability to understand the meaning of words and use them effectively in good communication when you listen, speak, or write
• Arithmetic Reasoning: ability to use several math skills and logical thinking to solve problems in everyday situations
• Computation: ability to use arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve everyday problems involving numbers
• Spatial Ability: ability to form pictures of objects in your mind
• Form Perception: ability to quickly and accurately see details in objects, pictures, or drawings
• Clerical Perception: ability to quickly and accurately see differences in detail in printed material
• Motor Coordination: ability to quickly and accurately coordinate eyes with hands or fingers when making precise hand movements
• Manual Dexterity: ability to quickly and accurately move hands easily and skillfully
• Finger Dexterity: ability to move fingers skillfully and easily

There are three options for administering the Ability Profiler. First, all 11 tests can be administered in approximately 2.5 hours. This option is preferable for individuals exploring all occupations, including those requiring psychomotor abilities. Second, the 7 paper-and-pencil tests can be administered in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This option is preferable when individuals are not exploring occupations requiring manual or finger dexterity. Third, the 6 nonpsychomotor tests can be administered in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This option is preferable when individuals are not exploring occupations requiring psychomotor abilities. For all options, examinees must (a) be at least 16 years old, (b) read English at a sixth-grade level or higher, and (c) not have taken any form of the Ability Profiler or GATB within the prior six months.

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